News

2011 CONCERT CALENDAR - WHAT'S ON AT THE CON

3 March 2011

Hundreds of concerts, recitals, masterclasses and other special events will be on offer to the public this year as part of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's 2011 Concert Calendar.

Dean and Principal, Professor Kim Walker said the Concert Calendar provided a platform to deliver world-class musical performances, reflective of the status of 'The Con' and the University of Sydney as Australia's leading centre of excellence for music education, research and performance.

"There is a dazzling array of concerts and events in a variety of settings to showcase the extraordinary gifts of our faculty and students. We're aiming to provide Sydney residents and visitors with some unforgettable musical experiences," Professor Walker said.

"The performance year begins spectacularly this week with the Australian Marquee Composer for 2011, Elena Kats-Chernin, launching our 'Sensational Sunday' program with a world premiere work as part of the 101 Compositions for 100 Years project.

"We are also delighted to be hosting celebrated international composers and performers in 2011, headlined by the Musica Viva Festival in April, and the brilliant Michael Nyman in May."

Michael Nyman is regarded as one of Britain's most innovative composers with a breadth of work that covers operas and string quartets, orchestral concertos and a host of film soundtracks.

As The Con's International Marquee Composer for 2011, Nyman will unveil a world premiere '101' work for choir, orchestra and band on May 27.

Established in 2009, the '101 Compositions for 100 Years' project is a global initiative to generate 101 new music compositions to celebrate The Con's centenary in 2015.

International and nationally renowned composers and a selection of talented students have been commissioned to compose new works ranging from classical to contemporary styles, involving all 43 musical instruments and voice taught at The Con.

The inaugural international '101' composition in 2009 was an orchestral amalgam of Bob Dylan lyrics byleading American composer John Corigliano, who returns to Sydney in October for the much anticipated Australian premiere of 'Circus Maximus'.

Professor Walker said fostering partnerships with international music schools and iconic local institutions would continue to be a focus in 2011.

"Following last year's memorable joint concert between our Chamber Orchestra and students from the pre-eminent Juilliard School in New York, our Early Music Ensemble will journey back to the music of the 17th and 18th centuries while on tour at institutions in Milan, Amsterdam, London and Beijing.

"We are also particularly excited to be partnering in the year ahead with our neighbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens, in a series of special outdoor events."

For general concert information and ticket enquiries, call 9351 1222 or visitwww.thecon.com.auto subscribe to our monthly What's On e-newsletter.